Byfuglien exited Winnipeg's 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday during the second period, appearing to favor his right arm. Maurice said Byfugien's absence would be a challenge for the team.

"[Byfuglien] is at the top end of the league in terms of what he can do physically and what he can do with the puck," Maurice said. "We're going to miss him. He's a force back there, for sure."

The 29-year-old has spent the last four seasons of his 10-year career with the Jets. In 65 games this season, Byfuglien has 15 goals and 42 points. Over his career, during which he has spent time with Winnipeg, the Thrashers and the Chicago Blackhawks, Byfuglien has appeared in 593 games, scoring 130 goals and earning 211 assists.